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Terence Waeland / Alamy Stock Photo
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Terence Waeland / Alamy Stock Photo
World News

New findings support Bible’s account of King Josiah’s death in Megiddo

by Lydia Davies

Archaeologists have uncovered new evidence that aligns with the biblical description of the Battle of Megiddo, which led to the death of King Josiah of Judah.

This pivotal battle is recorded in both 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, with Josiah’s death marking a significant moment in Israel's history.

The king, known for his devotion to the Lord and efforts to rid Israel of idolatry, is also noted as an ancestor of Jesus in the New Testament.

The biblical account details how Pharaoh Necho of Egypt, en route to fight at Charchemish, was confronted by Josiah, despite Necho's warnings not to engage.

Josiah, undeterred, faced the Egyptian army at Megiddo, where he was fatally struck by an archer’s arrow.

His death is marked as a tragic end to his reign, with 2 Kings 23:25 praising his zeal: “Surely there was not holden such a passover… nor in all the days of the kings of Judah.”

Recent archaeological findings have provided physical evidence that supports the existence of an Egyptian presence during this time, as reported by The Christian Post.

Pottery fragments found at the site, including both Egyptian and Greek pottery, suggest the Egyptians’ influence and their employment of Greek mercenaries.

Israel Finkelstein, a leading archaeologist from the University of Haifa and Tel Aviv University, explained that the Greek pottery likely reflects the Egyptian practice of hiring mercenaries during this period.

These findings add weight to the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative.

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